In our lifetime, we’ve seen people who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Some of them may have found inspiration and developed compassion from life experiences, others from their college education, especially those who took up Bachelor of Science in Social Work, a program that prepares individuals to become advocates of human rights, social justice, and other humanitarian causes.

But how does one know that he or she is made for a career in social work? It has a lot to do with the desire to uplift the lives of others.

Fueled by the desire to make a positive impact and help others, it was a no-brainer for Abigail de Guzman-Ablaña, a provincial government department head–Social Welfare and Development officer at the Provincial Government of Palawan, to pursue BS Social Work. “I enrolled in the Social Work program because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in the community,” she explains.

Her happiest memories during her college days are a testament to her right decision. “My participation in community outreach programs and my field exposure made me realize that truly I made the right decision to take up social work.” Her education at Centro Escolar University (CEU) exposed her to on-the-job training at various social service agencies wherein she gained hands-on experience in the field, making it easier for her to adapt to the new environment as she was starting her career.

Aware of the promising opportunities abroad for the course, Teresita Melad, senior manager of Insular Foundation decided to pursue B.S. Social Work at CEU. But what was initially a decision based on practicality has become a life mission. “It was said to be an in-demand profession abroad. At first, I didn't really know what social work is, but I realized it was my calling as I proceeded,” she explains.

Her internship, which is a requisite, made her realize how vital the course was and her calling. “One year of internship in hospitals and communities has awakened me to the importance of the program, plus the yearly ‘Self-Concern for Others-Leadership-Spirituality’ training that the program offers.” Heeding her calling, she landed her first job as a medical social worker at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Upon passing and ranking third in the board exam, Abigail worked at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where she honed her skills further as a government social worker. Now as a department head, her work involves overseeing a team of fellow social workers and social welfare and development workers implementing various programs for the vulnerable population of the province.

Teresita, on the other hand, oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the foundation’s social welfare and development programs. She is delighted that her job gives her the opportunity to create positive change. Some of the projects she’s passionate about aided public students in becoming more proficient in Math and English while the other shows promising results in environmental conservation efforts, “It is fulfilling to see how our work not only helps the environment but also supports the economic well-being of the communities involved.”

For 77 years, the CEU Social Work program continues to deliver quality education in the field. The program has been producing graduates like Abigail and Teresita who are successful advocates of human rights and social justice as well as other humanitarian causes. Apart from that, the institution also has graduates who are effective facilitators of human relationships in various environments (e.g. hospital, home school, workplace, etc).

CEU’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work with Specialization in Community Health Care program focuses on the important role social workers play in improving people's lives through community development and health care programs. It offers two career specialization routes – become a licensed social worker or also become an educator. With the education route, students acquire 21 education units, allowing them to take the licensure exams for teachers.

Teresita and Abigail attribute their effective leadership at work to their college education at CEU.

“CEU has provided me with a solid foundation in social work theories and practice, as well as fruitful learning opportunities for field exposure, hands-on experience and professional development, shaping me into the professional I am today,” explains Abigail.

These two social workers may have started from different points with varying motivations but ended up on a similar journey–found similar learning experiences, taking home varying life lessons. They may have taken different paths but living out the same purpose of uplifting the lives of others.

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